Acute and long-term weight loss and weight gain in elite athletes: influences on body composition and performance
Year: 2011
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Many athletes attempt to change their weight in order to enhance their competitive\nperformance level. Weight loss is generally motivated by a desire to optimise\nperformance by improving power to weight ratio, making weight in order to compete in\na certain weight category, or due to aesthetic reasons in sports that emphasise leanness.\nWeight gain is generally motivated by a desire to optimise performance by increasing\nmuscle mass and thereby improving strength and power. Due to the negative effects of\nrapid weight loss and longer periods of restricted energy intake, existing literature\nrecommends a gradual weight loss through moderate energy restriction and promotes a\nweekly weight loss of 0.5-1 kg. The same theoretical recommendation exists for weight\ngain; a moderate energy surplus for a gradual weight gain corresponding to a weekly\nweight gain of 0.5-1 kg. However, although recommended, the effect of such a weekly\nweight loss or gain on body composition and performance in elite athletes has not been\nexamined. Further, the long-term effect on body composition and performance of such\ninterventions is yet to be investigated.
Source: BIBSYS Brage (BIBSYS (Norway))
Author: Ina Garthe
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Norges Idrettshøgskole
OpenAlex ID: W2465644387